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Tommy Layne playing a key role out of Boston Red Sox bullpen and making a case for next season

Tommy Layne

Boston Red Sox's Tommy Layne walks to the dug out after pitching during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Boston, Friday, Aug. 15, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
(Michael Dwyer)

BOSTON – When the Red Sox traded Andrew Miller to Baltimore at the trade deadline, it was clear they lost their most reliable left-handed reliever.

Replacing Miller hasn't been nearly as much a challenge as expected thanks to Tommy Layne.

The lefty has filled in seamlessly in the absence so of Miller.

"It’s been an opportunity that presented itself and he’s made the most of it," manager John Farrell. "Any time we have that matchup situation he’s a guy we’ve not been reluctant to go to and he continues to execute."

Layne entered a two-on, no-outs situation in the eighth inning on Friday night with Boston clinging to a 3-2 lead at the time. The 29-year-old didn't waver in the high-leverage situation firing 11 pitches, seven for strikes as he recorded back-to-back strikeouts of left-handed hitters Jason Castro and Jon Singleton. The Astros eventually scored the tying run against Burke Badenhop on a strange play at the plate, but Layne had done his part.

"The biggest thing is he’s thrown consistent strikes and in a matchup like last night with a couple guys on base, he’s responded," Farrell said. "Whether it’s been home or on the road in some tight spots. In short order he’s earned our trust and continues to execute. Our experience with him, he’s been very consistent and productive throughout."

Layne has allowed just one run in eight appearances out of the bullpen since replacing Miller on Aug. 1. Layne hasn't allowed a hit in six of those eight appearances, sporting a 1.35 ERA with six strikeouts and two walks in the 6 2/3-inning stretch. He's inherited three runners, none of which have scored.

Despite the small sample size, Layne has done everything right to earn a spot in the bullpen next season.

His numbers in Boston haven't been much different from Pawtucket. In 37 appearances out of the PawSox bullpen this season, Layne posted a 1.50 ERA with 53 strikeouts and 20 walks in 48 innings.

"He’s making a strong case for himself as we see what’s currently here and what we may come across in the offseason," Farrell said.